Boston is far from a dry town, but the thrill of the speakeasy is just as exciting as it was during Prohibition. Speakeasy-style cocktail bars are having a renaissance in the city. Some are leaning into a saloon style, while others require a password or a back-alley address for entry. To get an ounce of the underground with your martini, check out these speakeasy-style bars around Boston.
The Wig Shop
Where: Downtown
Enjoy an elevated cocktail experience at The Wig Shop. PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE WIG SHOP
Info: For decades this space in Downtown Crossing was an actual wig shop — now it’s a trendy cocktail bar hidden behind a display of brightly colored wigs. Inside, the bar has a retro feel with intimate, grouped seating and low lighting. Order craft cocktails like the Yo Soy with bourbon, blueberry, Japanese spices and sesame oil from an often-evolving menu. Be cautious of the espresso martini, dubbed Rise ‘n Grind — they’re so potent the bar limits orders to one per person.
wigshopboston.com
Hecate
Where: Back Bay
Info: Named for the goddess of midnight and witchcraft, this dimly lit bar tucked into an alley in Back Bay gives a true underground experience. The menu, presented in a bound book of “spells,” pulls flavors from around the world into unique beverages. The Palo Caldero mixes two different rums, hibiscus tea, ugu leaf, palo santo, black peppercorn, almond and burnt cinnamon. This hot spot doesn’t take reservations, so go early for the best chance to get in.
hecatebar.com
Next Door
Where: East Boston
Info: If you’re looking for a charming but slightly gimmicky cloak-and-dagger feel, Next Door is for you. To get into this back speakeasy you need to use a specific knock on a back door and then deliver a password for entry. Once inside expect cocktails with an extravagant presentation (think smoke billowing out of a pirate’s chest), plus a full menu of charcuterie, shellfish towers and elevated bites.
nextdooreastie.com
Offsuit
Where: Chinatown
Info: Casual cool is the name of the game at Offsuit, a speakeasy-inspired bar behind the French restaurant Troquet in the Leather District. There’s no signage for the back door in an unused alley behind the space. But when you find it, you’re one phone call away from fun. Inside, the cozy, comfortable atmosphere is a perfect foil for Offsuit’s innovative drink menu. Known for its espresso martini, there are plenty of other options as well as beer, wine and nonalcoholic drinks.
offsuitboston.com
Borrachito
Where: Seaport
Info: What appears to be a casual takeout taco spot in Seaport is actually a lively restaurant and cocktail bar hidden behind a freezer door. Step through to enjoy churros, tacos and tequila and mezcal creations. Traveling with a group? Borrachito also serves up extra large margaritas for the table. On the weekends you’ll find a DJ spinning beats in the space for an extra vibey experience.
borrachito.com/boston
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